April 8, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Monthly Meeting

Discussion:  Due to the absence of a quorum, hearing of visitors was the first item on the agenda. 

Discussion:  Jill Gebhard discussed the LETRS training that she and four other teachers have been doing this year. This has been a very eye-opening experience for her and she appreciated the board's support in allowing them to have this training. 

Discussion:  Steven Whitney joined the meeting. Trevor Fournier (Access Elevator) representative shared with the board the proposal of installing a vertical enclosed platform lift in the GS to allow improved mobility between floors.  This is the least invasive of the proposals that have been presented up to this point.  The board asked questions and Mr. Fournier left the meeting shortly after. 

Discussion:  Rich Wenzl joined the meeting and Trevor left the meeting.  Andrew Bizzell shared the bid from Roofmasters for fixing the Long Island buildings' roofs and the Ag shop roof in Almena. The board asked questions and then Andrew left the meeting.

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman shared information from the KESA Check-In with Dr. Amber Miller last week. The KESA system is changing from a five-year accreditation to an annual review/accreditation system.  We will learn more after the state board meeting this month.  State standards alignment is going to be a necessity in accordance with state assessment scores. 

Discussion:  Mr. Gebhard went over the vehicles that are still being worked on and which ones are still waiting to be fixed. He also shared an updated list of vehicle needs versus wants. The new suburban is still in transit to the company at this time. 
 

Discussion:  Mrs. Knuth has volunteered and been approved to move to first grade for the 2024-25 school year. 

Discussion:  At 8:39 PM the meeting returned to open session.  No action taken.

Discussion:  Mr. Tharman discussed with the board that he had opened up the positions to staff for summer helpers.  He will open it to the HS students (16 years or above) and the public in a couple of weeks if he does not receive enough interest. 

Discussion:  Mr. Gebhard shared with the board a sample of a personalized learning plan.  He had challenged the teachers to come up with a plan that was specific to each child aligning reading and math strengths, weaknesses, and goals to address those needs.  This is a part of the Kansas Every Child Can Read Act.  Mr. Gebhard was very impressed with the results the teachers presented and is excited about this new step in their educational journey to success.  He briefly shared the numerous activities on the calendar. 

Discussion:  A concern was shared with a board member about the in-service date being changed.  Mr. Tharman explained that it was not an ideal situation (having to change what was already scheduled), but it was the best option when trying to have the most teachers available for this end-of-the-year reflection and planning for the coming year meeting. If teachers are unable to attend an in-service, which is part of their contracted days, they are able to take PTO.